Category Archives: Lifestyle

If you are planning on having your wedding during the summer months, there are many ways you can design it to reflect the proper summer atmosphere. Since most weddings take place during the summer traditionally, there are many proven ways that have been used to create the perfect summer look.

Choose The Right Venue

With so many different places available to host your wedding, in order for it to look and feel right, you should choose one with both an indoor and outdoor facility. If you live in an area near a body of water, you may want to find one where you could possibly have your ceremony arranged at the waters edge. Make sure the garden areas are equally set up with blooming flowers in all colors.

Wedding Dresses And Bridal Attire

Summer colors are vibrant and outstanding. Your wedding party should be dressed in matching colors of different hues and the pieces should be long and flowing. You may want to skip the tuxedo type groomsmen’s outfits and replace them with light shirts and dress pants. These will seem less constrictive and allow your wedding party to be comfortable in the warmer weather.

Your wedding dress should also be light and airy. Choose one with either an off the shoulder style or sleeveless. Chiffon is a material that is put into many of the summer dresses available. Keeping yourself comfortable on this day is most important. Headpieces could be a simple crown with a short veil or you could have a simple flower piece to place in your hair.

Appetizers And Dinner Choices

You will want to keep your food choices light in order to keep in line with your summer theme. Appetizers should consist of berries, light cheeses and citrus fruits. Instead of having a sit down dinner, you could offer your guests a buffet style.

Venue Decor And Table Settings

Your table settings should be simple with seasonal flowers in them. If you are given a choice of lighting inside, you should keep it in line with the colors you have chosen for your wedding.

Incorporate Some Art

You may want to hire an artist to come in and paint watercolor pictures of your guests. This is a big hit at many weddings.

Bridal Gifts That Fit The Theme

The gifts you give your guests should be made up of flowers and sprigs of berries. Simple and easy to make.

All summer weddings should be kept minimal and light. Flowers are the main ingredient in a beautiful wedding. Try to keep your guests as comfortable as you can even if the temperatures are high. You can find a lot of tips and how to’s online if you do research.

Decorating for your summer party involves more than just putting plates and a tablecloth on a table and making sure everyone has food and beverages to enjoy. It also involves keeping pests away, putting up decorations that coordinate with the event, and setting up an area for games or activities so that everyone has something to do at the party. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can keep in mind to achieve the best party with friends and family.

1. Plan Ahead
One of the important things about a summer party is planning ahead. While most parties are held outdoors, you should have a backup plan in the event that it storms or rains. Make a list of the food that you’ll serve and the people you’re going to invite so that you’ll have enough food for everyone to enjoy. Try to keep a pathway open in the yard to prevent guests from feeling like they are only supposed to be in one area.

2. Light The Way
Consider having your party in the evening because it might be a bit cooler outside for your guests. However, you should have candles on the tables and lights along the pathways so that guests can see where they are walking. You could also use candles that have insect repellent in them to make guests comfortable. Rope lights are a good idea as well as they add a bit of flair to the party and often come in a variety of colors.

3. Tabletops
The tables are perhaps the easiest to decorate. Using a theme for your party would be the easiest way to decorate. Examples include a luau with pineapples and bright flowers on the tables or a patriotic party for the 4th of July with red, white, and blue decorations. After putting a tablecloth on the table, place your centerpiece before adding decorations on both sides to balance out the table.

4. Use All Of The Space
Whether your party is inside your house or outside, use the space that you have to its fullest potential. Use an area of the deck for grilling while one area is decorated for dancing or with comfortable seats where guests can talk to each other. Spread the tables and chairs around the space that you have to give guests a bit of freedom instead of keeping everyone piled on top of each other.

5. Disposable Decorations

When you buy decorations for your party, get items that you can throw away at the end of the evening. From plates and cups to balloons and streamers, find as many items as possible that you can toss into a trash bag so that you don’t have to wash or clean anything. However, if you know that you’re going to have another party in the near future, consider getting solid colors or universal designs that can be used again.6. Create Zones
Section off the yard into zones to make it easier to decorate. One could be for games, one could be for food, and another zone could be for relaxing. Each area can be decorated with balloons and posters in bright colors as well as other decorations that coordinate with the theme of your party.

There are a few electrical jobs that a DIYer with some basic skills can do themselves, such as screwing in a lightbulb. But a layperson really should not go much farther than that. There are many jobs that must only be done by a professional electrician. These include rewiring a room, changing breakers or adding receptacles and making sure that a revamped electrical system is compliant with local codes. But as with any major job, the homeowner needs to vet the electrician before taking them on. Here are seven tips to make sure the electrician is right for the job:

1. Get Recommendations
As with every contractor, a homeowner should get recommendations from neighbors and coworkers who have used electricians who work in the area. They can also look up online reviews given to certain electricians.

2. Find Out How Much the Job Usually Costs
The cost of building or renovating a house can vary wildly, but the cost of certain electrical jobs fall within a more narrow range. The homeowner should find out how much the job they want usually costs in their community. Knowing that helps the homeowner know when a bid is suspiciously low or suspiciously high.

3. Interview the Contractor
If the homeowner has a really big electrical job, they should interview at least three electricians. Questions to ask include the electrician’s rates, whether their work is warrantied and whether they are prompt. The electrician should also be willing to provide references.

4. Make Sure the Electrician Has the Proper Credentials
The electrician needs to be licensed, insured and bonded. The homeowner should check the Better Business Bureau’s website to make sure that the electrician does not have any unresolved complaints against them. The homeowner might even want to know the results of a criminal background check on the electrician.

5. How Far Do They Need to Travel?
The farther away the electrician’s business is, the higher their travel charges. Whether the homeowner is satisfied with the ratio of the travel charges and the contractor’s hourly rate depends on how big the job is. For example, it’s better if the electrician has a large travel charge and a low rate if they’re taking on a big job.

6. Ask About Payment Options
Most electricians are pleased to accept cash, credit or debit. Some take a personal check. The homeowner can pay right after the job is finished or have the electrician send a bill. Tips are always appreciated.

7. Only Call for Electrical Problems
Some people call electricians when they have problems with their appliances, computer or even their HVAC system. The electrician does not deal with these things. Electricians are also not the people to call during a power outage. That is the bailiwick of the homeowner’s power company.

A famous figure in history once said, “sometimes a cigar is just a cigar”. While this may be true, such words of philosophical practicality and grandeur would still be lost on the hordes of cigar enthusiasts throughout the world. Living in the 21st century has been a wild ride thus far, with pitfalls and victories alike dotting the timeline. Fortunately, one of these many triumphs have come in the form of a perpetually advancing level of technological prowess. Cigar enthusiasts of the 21st century have been rejoicing in the effects these advancements have made for their hobby, as displayed below in this list of exotic cigar flavors.

1. Sometimes, it isn’t merely the flavor of the cigar itself that makes it exotic but the method in which it was crafted. According to a recent article by the New York Times, researchers in Emeryville, CA have created a line of cigars that are imbued with scents made from re-engineered yeast. Flavors such as saffron, vanilla and patchouli have been used with wild abandon throughout history, and with the aid of modern science, cigar fiends can enjoy the smooth exotic tastes of this wide world with every pull. These cigars are a marvel of ingenuity, and would be hard to envision even in the recent past.

2. Sometimes, the exoticism of the cigar comes from it’s very origin. Sometimes the story behind the smoke is like a flavor in itself, allowing the smoker to fall back into time to get a fly’s-eye view of unfolding history. A couple of years ago, residents of Miami were privy to a certain treat: the chance to get their hands on three pre-embargo Cuban cigars. The history behind these cigars is rich and almost controversial, making them a much sought-after piece for any collector worth their salt. In this regard, history became a flavor of its own to these three collector’s gems and would be hard-pressed to replicate.

3. While the previous two examples of exoticism are based in the literal plane, this last addendum stumbles out from the lines and into the realm of abstraction. The Bay Area once again takes home the crown for ingenuity on this one, as San Francisco’s DeLise Desert Cafe caps its menu off with a drink that looks like a chai tea latte but is in fact a confection made from the essence of aged tobacco. It is like the old saying goes, “a cigar in the hand is worth two in the drink.”

There is no foreseeable end to the possibilities available in the world of exotic cigars. There will always be another flavor with another story, and to that end cigar enthusiasts and rest knowing they’re secured.

Your home can no longer accommodate all the items you have. These things are important to you so; you are not willing to dispose of them. The solution to your issue is renting a storage space. Every storage facility varies in features and other factors. Before renting space, consider several factors that will land you an appropriate space for your things.

Location

Choose a storage facility that is at a convenient location. This determinant is mainly relevant if you frequently need some of the things stored in your space. If the site is not a primary factor, then consider other priorities no matter the location of the facility.

Value

A price is attached to space you will get in the facility. Therefore, ensure that you get the most out of your money. For example, the space you get should be worth the rent you are paying. Take advantage of special offers and discounts that are available. It is also wise to bargain for favorable terms. Avoid facilities that have hidden charges, which will catch you unaware.

Storage Amenities

Think about your needs and those of your items. Look for a storage facility that has amenities that will suit your needs. For example, storage facilities ought to have security. It means that among the amenities should be surveillance, fencing, and security personnel among other provisions. Ensure that the facility has resources to cater for all your storage needs.

Space

Space is the primary reason for renting a storage facility. Consider the number of items that you will be transferring to the facility and evaluate the needed space. It is also wise to factor in the future. You may have additional commodities that will need to be stored in that space. Therefore, choose a spacious rental. Remember that big spaces will require more charges. Think about what is a priority for you. If space is first, the cost should not be a problem. In case you cannot afford the rent for a spacious room, then settle for whatever is within your budget.

Accessibility

You may have a convenient location of your storage space and suitable amenities with affordable rental charges. Unfortunately, availability is a problem, especially when you need something after-work hours. Not all facilities are accessible around the clock. If you need to visit your store often and spontaneously, ensure you choose a facility that offers 24 hours services. You may want something from the facility yet you cannot get it, regardless of the urgency.

Do not dispose essential things to you because you do not have space in your house. Look for a storage facility within your reach and affordability and rent some space. Factor in all your storage needs and choose a facility that will fulfill all of them.

Cell phone bills are pricey, and because it’s a part of the norm, cell phone providers are milking the growing demand. The dependency on cell phones is a major factor why cell phone bills are ascending. However, we do need to know how cell phone companies raise the bill.

Landline Cutting
Juggling a cell phone bill and a landline bill is too much. The landline bill is expensive, and since it attracts telemarketers more than loved ones, cutting it makes sense to many. Consequently, cell phone providers know about the decrease in landline use and use it to their advantage. Today’s cell phone plans go by a no-contract monthly amount or a cell phone contract where owners pay a set amount as long as the contract is active.

Emerging Fees
It seems cell phone companies love to penny pinch by tacking on fees. While there’s a price for different phone bill plans, cell phone companies add fees. The problem is cell phone companies repeatedly add fees. Examples include an activation fee, early termination fee, roaming fee, 911 fee, administrative fee, contract extension fee, phone replacement fee, and a fee for talk/text/data overage. As companies add new fees and change others, there’s no recourse to reduce or eliminate fees thanks to the service agreement and terms of use.

Data Limit
A large reason data use has limitations is people overuse data. Data includes internet use, video game use, music streaming, and video streaming. Companies offered unlimited data use, but after many people consumed data plans as much as text and talk, companies did a 180. Today, providers offer a certain GB of data and charge a fee for overage. An alternative way to cap data use is to reduce the speed.

Taxes
A second fee accumulating to high phone bills is taxes. Federal, state, county, and city taxes contribute to the bill’s continued rise. Since sales taxes attach to every purchase, a cell phone bill is no exception. The bill adds taxes because it’s mandatory government fees to keep the city, county, state, and federal services and programs going. As taxes rise, so does the bill.

Ignorance
It’s outrageous to assume our ignorance contributes to a costly bill, but it’s possible. People often purchase a phone without thorough research “just to fit in” or because “it’s cheap.” Review the phone bill and analyze phone usage in the past three months. Are you really using MOST minutes, text, and/or data given? Are you using international plans? Do you need phone insurance? Additionally, read the fine print. Is that cheap phone plan cheap for a limited time? Can companies add new fees freely without a limit? Be honest and eliminate items not in use. Switch to a lower-paying plan if necessary.

Luckily, there are smaller, inexpensive alternatives the major brands own along with affordable independent providers out there. Since all providers contain pros and cons, use this information as a research strategy to find a great provider meeting your qualifications.

Reloading brass is like every other product in that there are a lot of things to keep in mind if you want to get a good deal. Every shooter should try to be familiar with the topic because there are so many things that can cause a shortage that forces people to either reload their ammo or stop shooting. That risk combines with the many advantages of reloading to make brass a precious commodity for every shooter.

Pristine Brass

The quality of the brass itself is the most important concern for any shooter that wants to stock up and make their own ammunition. The vast majority of retailers will sell brass that has either been fired only once, or brass that is completely new. Both of them will work, since brass can normally be used many times before it starts to wear out and degrade.

That having been said, it is wise to keep an eye out for manufacturing defects or simple wear and tear. The brass should not be deformed or cracked. Every piece should be examined before reloading, just to be safe, but it is also wise to check it out before buying. If you can’t examine the brass in person, look for reviews and testimonials that prove the retailer has sold quality brass in the past.

Bulk Pricing

Most of the shooters who take up reloading do it so that they can shoot more while spending less money. Most of them buy their brass in bulk to make sure that they have enough, so it is wise to look for bulk pricing to get the best deal possible.

This is especially important for people who do not expect to buy more brass on a regular basis. The brass will eventually wear out, and some of it is likely to get lost instead of being recovered after shooting, but most reloaders can make their supply last for quite some time without any difficulty. The natural choice under those circumstances is to make a single, large purchase for each caliber, and then to restock and make up for losses after that only when good deals present themselves. The first purchase is often the largest, so bulk pricing is more important there than it is for any other.

Exchange Programs

The firearm industry has a fairly strong sense of social responsibility, and that extends to many of the retailers that focus on brass and other reloading supplies. It is common for them to get used brass from police academies and similar organizations in exchange for new ammo, which helps to cut the operating expenses for those services. Many people prefer these retailers because buying from them supports these community programs.

When the time comes to install a new driveway, you will need to decide what kind of material you will use. There are several different materials available, but most driveways are made from either concrete or asphalt. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and you will need to consider these if you’re going to choose the best option for your home.

Pros and Cons of Concrete

The biggest advantage of choosing concrete for your driveway is its long lifespan. When it is properly installed, a concrete driveway can last up to 40 years before it needs to be replaced. It also requires relatively little maintenance and won’t need to be resealed, especially if you live someplace in a warmer climate. Concrete is also a great aesthetic choice since it can be colored or scored. Even if you don’t want a unique color for your driveway, concrete simply has a bright “clean” look to it that goes well with any modern suburban home.

As for the downsides of a concrete driveway, the biggest by far is its price. A concrete driveway may require little to no maintenance and won’t need to be resealed, but it costs roughly twice as much as an asphalt driveway. Since concrete is harder than asphalt, it is also more brittle and prone to cracking. These cracks are difficult to repair. Concrete is also prone to staining, and its lighter color will make every oil stain and spill stand out. There are ways to clean and degrease a concrete driveway, but that can be difficult and time-consuming unless you catch the stain while it’s still relatively new.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt

Asphalt is a material that is commonly used in roads, so it makes sense that it would be popular for driveways. This even adds some aesthetic appeal for those who want their driveways to look like an extension of their street. It’s also much less expensive to install an asphalt driveway as opposed to a concrete driveway, and the material itself is less likely to be damaged by winter conditions. Finally, asphalt is easier to repair than concrete.

The biggest downside to an asphalt driveway is that it is much less durable than concrete. Asphalt driveways last about 20 years before they need to be replaced, and they need to be resealed every three to five years. It also has an oily texture in warm weather, giving you the feeling of walking on tar when the temperatures really get up there.

Overall, neither concrete or asphalt is “better” than the other option. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s up to you to weigh these pros and cons to find a driveway that best fits your home and your budget.

The magic of movies is that we can transport to other places and live other lives for a short time. Watching movies in 3D makes it that much more magical. Here is a list of the top ten movies for kids to watch in 3D.

1. How to Train Your Dragon
This movie is based on the life of the son of a Viking chief who does not fit in with his people and who accidentally discovers that the dragons his people have been fighting for so long, may not be the ferocious beasts everyone believes them to be.

2. Journey to the Center of the Earth
In this movie, Eric Brevig, an expert on unusual seismic activity, uses the book by Jules Verne to find out what happened to his missing brother. It is a familiar, heartwarming, family-bonding story that is sure to provide thrills for the whole family in 3D.

3. Up
This bittersweet movie is a story of an old man who, in fulfilling his life-long dream of travel, meets a rambunctous young boy who he gradually comes to care for over the course of the movie.

4. Finding Dory
The world’ favorite forgetful Blue Tang, Dory, stars in this movie as she embarks on an adventure and learns several important lessons about family.

5. Monsters University
This movie is a prequel to the classic Mosters Inc. and tells the origin of the friendship between Mike and Sully.

6. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
In this movie, Flint Lockwood invents a contraption that ultimately causes delicious cheeseburgers start raining from the sky. When the machine begins to malfunction it is up to Flint and his friends to fix it before the town is covered in meatballs.

7. Ice Age
In this movie, a giant wooley mammoth, a sloth, and a sabor tooth tiger form an unlikely herd to care for, protect, and ultimately return a human baby to its people.

8. Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl
In this movie, the imaginary friends of a young boy come to earth to ask for help in saving their home planet. On the way, they learn about the importance of friendship and the power of imagination.

9. Inside Out
This movie is based around ten-year-old Riley’s emotions as they try to help her through a difficult time in her life. It teaches heartwarming lessons about friendship and family.

10. Toy Story 3
This bittersweet movie is the third in the Toy Story series. With Andy going off to college, Woody and the gang end up mistakenly put out with the trash instead of safe in the attic and they must work together to return safely home.

Buying your first car is exciting, but it’s a learning process you won’t soon forget. It’s a lot of work, a lot of effort, and it can be a headache if you don’t know what to expect when you are looking for your new car. The best advice you can get before you go to a dealer and look for your first car is to know what you’re getting into when financing a new car. Here is some advice that might help.

Check Your Credit

Before you apply for any financing, check your credit and fix any mistakes. You must have a high credit score to get the best rates and the best deals, and that’s why you must take it upon yourself to check your score. This is available free of charge one time every year from each of the major credit bureaus.

Make a Down Payment

If you hear someone tell you they didn’t make a down payment on their car, do not be impressed. Down payments are imperative if you want to make your payments more affordable and you want to drive off with a little equity. Cars depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot for the first time, and a down payment can keep you from being upside down on your vehicle while you own it.

Get Your Own Financing

Never use a dealer’s financing. They are not in the market to save you money or even bother looking for the best rates. They use their own companies, they have partnerships with banks and lenders, and they’re not in the game to make your deal worthwhile to you. They work with who they work with, and that means you might not get your best available rate. Check with your bank or credit union to see if you can get your own financing prior to shopping for a car.

Know the Cost of Maintenance

You should know what your car will cost you before you buy it, and maintenance is one of the things you must be aware of. Not all cars cost the same to fix or repair, and you must know what you’re getting into before you go home in a new car. Can you afford to pay $150 for an oil change, or is a $29 oil change more your style? Know these things in advance.

Don’t Spend More Than You’re Comfortable Spending

Even if a lender tells you a $50,000 vehicle is in your budget doesn’t mean you need to spend that much. If you want to keep your payment lower and only spend $30,000, only spend as much as you feel comfortable spending. It’s your choice, and no one can tell you to spend more than you feel comfortable spending.

Buying a new car can be intimidating, but it’s also worthwhile. Let your finances stay on track by working hard to ensure you’re getting the kind of car you want without spending too much. You have the power, and now is the time to use it.